Approved for commercial aviation in 56 countries
SkyIMD’s Introduction of FAA-Approved Mounts
SAN FRANCISCO and COPENHAGEN, Feb. 26, 2015 — Sky Imaging Mapping Data (SkyIMD), a leading provider of smart geospatial imaging systems and Phase One Industrial, a leading manufacturer and provider of medium format aerial and industrial digital photography equipment, today announced that SkyIMD has introduced a mount for Phase One aerial cameras that is approved for commercial aviation by the FAA and 55 other countries with over 23 popular aircraft.
SkyIMD has manufactured a pod which can house a single Phase One iXU and a larger pod that can house two iXU cameras, or an iXA or iXA-R. The aerodynamically designed pods are engineered to give optimal camera performance without affecting the flight characteristics of the aircraft. Phase One aerial cameras, when mounted in SkyIMD’s pods, have Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from the FAA, and can be Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) mounted on many aircraft. The pods can be removed completely by the pilot between flights, or hand-swapped to another aircraft. With just a little additional weight, and no additional operational cost, many aircraft already in service can be retrofitted with one or more pods carrying Phase One aerial cameras. By using mounts that are easily moved between different aircraft, users can extend missions, reduce costs and backup each other. In fact, one camera pod can be shared between a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Mark Zaller, COO of SkyIMD said, “SkyIMD’s mounts bring the incredible high resolution of an 80 MP aerial camera, and exceptional value to many aerial photographers, who can deliver images for many times less cost than a UAV. Anyone with a small plane, or even a flight club, can effectively mount a Phase One iXA-R 80 MP camera, with its pre-integrated corrected lens, to deliver survey quality images. A full configuration can provide results similar to a large nine-inch film camera, which requires a permanent belly hole. Digital results are instantaneous, and feed directly into software for geometrics, photogrammetry, and automated changes detection of power lines, pipelines and RoWs (right of way).
Combining two cameras in a single pod, enables operators to capture RGB (red green blue, normal visible color) and NIR (near infrared) simultaneously, or capture a wider swath of images to be stitched together in processing. By using multiple pods on a single aircraft, a user can fly a small Cessna combining five STC-approved Phase One cameras. This unique combination, allows for an astounding combined coverage of up to a 40,000 pixel width imaging swatch or an array of oblique and nadir cameras. A pod housing a Phase One camera can also be used together with an existing EO/IR gimbal to assist in surveillance.
About SkyIMD
SkyIMD creates aerial imaging, mapping, and data communications solutions for public safety, precision agriculture, photogrammetry, government, wildfire and oil and gas customers worldwide. From installation to operation, everything is plug-and-play and easy for staff to conduct sophisticated missions previously requiring advanced personnel.
For more information, visit http://skyimd.com
About Phase One Industrial
Phase One Industrial is a division of Phase One A/S, and is dedicated to the research, development and manufacturing of specialized industrial camera systems and software. Phase One Industrial camera systems are built specifically for applications such as aerial photography, homeland security and inspection. The company provides advanced hardware and imaging software solutions that meet the unique requirements of its customers worldwide.
For more information, visit http://industrial.phaseone.com